A.B. Assensoh combines historical observations, sociological analysis, and personal experiences in Migrant Stories: A Memoir of Living and Survival in the West and Asia, providing readers with an engrossing examination of migration, identity, and resiliency. This book, which is the second volume of his memoir, documents the successes and hardships of living away from home while elaborating on the themes of displacement, adaptability, and survival.
With a foreword by Professor Damien Ejigiri, Dean of the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences at Southern University and A&M College, Migrant Stories provides an insight into the migrant experience. Assensoh reflects on decades spent navigating diverse cultural landscapes, from the Americas to Europe and Asia, shedding light on the joys, challenges, and, at times, injustices that migrants face. His storytelling is both intimate and analytical, blending personal narratives with broader discussions on race, politics, and law.
One of the most compelling aspects of this memoir is its vivid storytelling. Assensoh shares thought-provoking anecdotes, from encounters with racial discrimination to unexpected cultural exchanges that shaped his worldview. He discusses issues of identity, belonging, and the societal expectations placed upon migrants, exploring how they are often caught between two worlds; one they left behind and one they are striving to make their own. His ability to connect these personal stories to larger political and historical contexts makes Migrant Stories more than just a memoir; it is also a great social commentary.
The book also touches on unique and sometimes surprising experiences, such as the tale of a modern “cougar” and a young Black man, as well as racial dynamics across continents. Assensoh’s legal studies further inform his discussions on law and governance, highlighting the intersections between migration policies, justice, and human rights. His ability to analyze these complex topics while keeping the narrative engaging makes Migrant Stories a compelling read for anyone interested in global migration and cultural adaptation.
A notable feature of this memoir is the inclusion of personal photographs with detailed captions, bringing the stories to life and allowing readers to connect visually with Assensoh’s journey. These images serve as a testament to the richness of his experiences and the many people and places that have shaped his path.
About the Author
A.B. Assensoh, LL.M. (Oregon), Ph.D. (NYU), is a Professor Emeritus at Indiana University and a Courtesy Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon. A trained journalist and historian, he has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly works, including A Matter of Sharing: A Memoir (PAUP, 2016) and Malcolm X: A Biography (Greenwood, 2014). His contributions to African political history and migration studies have made him a respected voice in academia.
Born in Ghana, Assensoh now resides in Eugene, Oregon, with his wife, Dr. Yvette M. Alex-Assensoh, and their two sons, Kwadwo and Livingston. His life’s work reflects his commitment to documenting the stories of those who, like him, have journeyed across borders in search of new beginnings.
